Comic artist, blogger, & glass-half-full-type of girl.

Month: January 2017

I was planning on posting this list as a YouTube video, but I like it better as a written list. There will be a new YouTube video on Tuesday, January 24th, where I review Hayao Miyazaki’s book, Starting Point: 1979-1996. (Edit: I’m giving myself a few extra weeks since this video is going to take a long time to script, film, and edit.)

Be braver with compliments. Complimenting people makes me nervous. Regardless of whether the person in mind is a stranger or close friend, I often hold compliments in my head rather than saying them aloud. I still don’t know why giving compliments makes me jittery—maybe I’m afraid the person won’t believe me (which sometimes happens), or maybe I’m afraid that my comment of praise reveals too much about myself (which is scary since I’ve spent most of my life as a shy person, and since I am still sometimes shy). This year, I’m going to tell people I like their sweater or their taste in music. I’m going to tell them they are gifted and should pursue their goals. I’m going to promote a safe and supportive environment.

Go on a date. Not a coffee date—a real one, a sweet one, a great one. Hold hands. This might seem like a silly goal—obviously, it requires another human being, and I’m only going for it if we are mutually interested in each other. I’ve been single for a little over a year (which has been great), and lately I’ve been thinking that I want my next first date to be a real one. Coffee dates, to me, aren’t real dates. They’re pre-dates. They’re interviews. They’re interrogations disguised as casual appointments. They give the relationship a foundation of revealing a lot of personal information right away, of emotionally flooring it. I don’t want to begin a potential relationship like this. I want to go to dinner and a movie, go ice-skating or rollerblading, go to an improv show or for a walk in the park. I want to smile at a cute guy who smiles back at me. I want to slowly get to know one another, to coast instead of speed.

Find a one-bedroom apartment that allows pets. Eventually, my roommates will move out. Instead of finding two new roommates (I’ve lived in the same house for the past three years, with a total of six roommates), I’m thinking about finding a place of my own where I can have a cat. If I have a cat, I don’t think I’ll be lonely.

Get a cat. It’s happening.

Be a better fish owner. I… yeah… I need to clean my fish tank more.

Finish writing my first book. The graphic memoir and young adult book I’m writing is currently 64 pages long. I’d like to finish writing approximately 200 pages by June 2017, and begin looking for the right publisher.

Read at least 30 books. I want to read consistently, but I want writing to be my main creative focus in 2017, which is why I’m reading at least 30 books instead of 50.

Read diversely. And share what I’ve read.

Do a great job at my new job. I’m thrilled to begin the new year with a new job, and one that I’m really excited for.

Be better at budgeting. I’m not terrible at budgeting, but I can definitely do better.

Visit my parents at least once per week. Because my family is important to me, and they currently live close.

Continue keeping in touch with friends, and continue making new friends. Most of my close friends live far from me. Some by a few hours, others by a few states, and one by a continent. I want to maintain these friendships for the rest of my life, and I want to continue making new friends that live close to me.

Commit to a consistent schedule on my blog. Having a creative outlet is also important to me.

Eat more fruits and vegetables, drink more water, and exercise regularly.

Research which brands in the grocery store and which coffee shops are fair trade. Commit to only purchasing from these brands and coffee shops.

Research which brands of makeup are cruelty-free. Commit to only purchasing these cruelty-free brands.

See if there is anything I can do about the fact that my state still taxes feminine hygiene products like pads and tampons.

I might add to this list throughout the year.

What are your resolutions and goals for 2017? Let me know in the comments!